In the wake of a national election that saw a historic rise in the Latino vote - a turnout that carried President Obama to victory - the president has placed comprehensive immigration reform at the top of his "to do" list after his Inauguration in January. During a White House news conference, he said he expects to see a bill introduced in Congress early next year.

We share President Obama's confidence that comprehensive immigration
reform will soon be done. Key Republicans have signaled they are ready to re-engage in an issue that, until recently, was not partisan. The public also is demanding common sense reforms.

As we said during the recent election campaign, SEIU is ready to work for practical comprehensive immigration reform that comports with our national values; provides a clear roadmap to citizenship for hard-working, taxpaying immigrants; builds the strength and unity of working people; keeps families together; and guarantees the same rights, obligations, and basic fairness for all workers, no matter where they come from. Comprehensive immigration reform must include:

Earned Legalization with a path to citizenship. A realistic and expeditious mechanism whereby the estimated 11 million undocumented persons currently living in the U.S. can get right with the law. SEIU also supports the DREAM Act--legalization of aspiring citizens who have grown up in this country--as a component of comprehensive reform.

Future Flow of Immigrants. Replace the current undocumented flow of workers with a 21st Century system that allows new American immigrant workers and family members to come to the U.S. in a safe, legal and orderly manner. Any new worker visa program must provide for strict compliance with U.S. labor standards and wage and hour standards; portability of visas so that workers can change jobs; and the ability for workers to petition for permanent residency.

Safe Borders. SEIU believes that the most realistic way to secure our borders and restore respect for law is to provide an opportunity for undocumented workers to legalize their status and to have safe and orderly channels for future immigrants to enter our nation legally. Internal and border law enforcement should focus on preventing criminals, drug cartels and other bad actors from entering the U.S. or engaging in criminal activities.

SEIU looks forward to the president's leadership on comprehensive
immigration reform and on Congress to act in 2013. This is the right thing to do for America, our economy, our communities, and for workers and our families.

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